AN investigation has been launched after the body of a man was found by a detective in a bus shelter.

Det Con Paul Howes discovered the man with no pulse and bleeding from the mouth in the shelter opposite Beech Hurst, Butlers Green Road, Haywards Heath, at 6.15pm yesterday.

The discovery was made just 100 yards from Haywards Heath Police Station. Det Con Howes, who had been driving past the shelter, tried to resuscitate the man who had severe head injuries.

Members of the public joined in the revival attempt while an ambulance was called but the man was later pronounced dead at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath. Police cordoned off the shelter as they launched an investigation headed by Det Insp John May, of Haywards Heath CID.

The cordon was still in place this morning, more than 12 hours after the body was found. A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said the body was that of a 20-year-old local man but his name would not be released to the media until relatives had been told. She said: "It's being treated as suspicious, although this is a matter of routine in such cases."

The coroner's office has been informed and a post mortem examination was being carried out this morning. Det Con Howes is based at Haywards Heath police station, almost next to the bus shelter. The police spokeswoman said he was recovering well from his ordeal.

Police, who wish to thank everyone who joined in the resuscitation attempt, are appealing for witnesses or anyone else with information to contact Det Insp May on 0845 6070999.

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